Thailand’s national police chief officially opened the 26th FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA) Asia Pacific Chapter Retraining Conference, bringing together more than 150 senior law enforcement representatives from 26 countries in Bangkok. The event marks the 40th anniversary of cooperation between Thailand and the FBINAA Asia Pacific network and focuses on strengthening international efforts against transnational organised crime in the digital era.
Get today's headlines by email 
Pol Gen Kitrat Phanphet, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, presided over the opening ceremony at the Grand Centre Point Lumphini Hotel in Bangkok. Senior Thai police officials joined representatives from international law enforcement agencies, including FBINAA President William J. Carbone, FBI Associate Deputy Director Andrew Bailey, US Ambassador to Thailand Sean K. O’Neill, and Pol Gen Visanu Prasarttong-Osoth, President of the FBI National Academy Associates Thailand Chapter.
The conference is being held under the theme “United in Action: Combating Transnational Organised Crime in the Digital Age”. Organisers said the gathering reflects the growing challenges posed by increasingly complex, borderless crimes driven by modern technology.
Speaking at the event, Pol Gen Kitrat said criminal networks are exploiting digital tools to expand their operations and avoid detection. He highlighted online fraud as a major concern, noting that it causes widespread financial damage and undermines public confidence.
Picture courtesy of Thaitabloid
Thailand is facing similar challenges, particularly the rise in cybercrime. The police chief said these threats underline the need for stronger international cooperation through information sharing, joint operations and enhanced law enforcement capabilities.
He added that the conference provides an important platform to deepen cooperation among partner agencies and strengthen operational networks. Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with international partners to address shared security threats.
The relationship between Thailand and the FBINAA Asia Pacific network spans four decades. In 1986, Thailand became the first country in history to host the FBINAA Asia Pacific Chapter conference, which was held in Pattaya, Chonburi province.
Since then, the network has expanded to cover 49 countries and includes more than 14,000 senior law enforcement members across 173 countries worldwide. All members are graduates of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, United States.
Thaitabloid reported that according to Pol Gen Visanu, Thailand’s selection as host nation for the 40th anniversary conference marks only the third time the country has hosted the event. He said the decision reflects the confidence the international law enforcement community places in the Royal Thai Police and Bangkok’s ability to serve as a venue for global knowledge-sharing and cooperation.
Join the discussion? 
Already a member? 
Adapted by ASEAN Now Thaitabloid 9 June 2026